Patience key for Connor

Connor Brown admitted he has had to be patient in his bid to establish a first-team place at Latics.

The 21-year-old full back, released by Sheffield United last summer, made only his third start in Saturday's home npower League One victory against Shrewsbury Town.

And Brown, who has reminded Paul Dickov Latics have won all three games he has started, said: "I have had to be patient, especially after a couple of loan players were brought in, and wait for the chance to take my spot.

"I have played the last two games at left back and all I can do is to play well and make the manager's decision hard."

Brown was sent off on his first start at Portsmouth which earned a three-match ban which prompted Latics' manager to bring in Reece Wabara on loan.

Wabara was an ever present and when he got his second chance it was at left back at Hartlepool in the place of the suspended Jonathan Grounds.

Grounds returned on Saturday in midfield in place of the banned Cristian Montano as Brown held on to the left-back spot.

"It has been mind wrecking to not be playing knowing you can do it, but not being able to do so," he continued.

Brown is looking for Latics to extend their winning run to three games tomorrow at Doncaster Rovers.

"We have won our last two games and a couple more and we could be right up there," he said.

Brown says one of the highlights of his career was scoring from a free kick for Sheffield United against Spanish giants Valencia as a 16-year-old.

Manager Paul Dickov has praised Brown for the professionalism he has shown.

He said: "Connor's a great kid who has had to be patient.

"He made his debut at Portsmouth and did ever so well before being sent off which forced my hand to bring in Reece Wabara.

"It has been difficult for Connor to get back but, to be fair, the kid trains well every day. He has a lot of endeavour and a fantastic attitude and deserves his place in the team."

An in-depth interview with Brown will appear in Latics' matchday programme for Saturday's FA Cup with Budweiser, second-round tie against Doncaster Rovers.